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US Ambassador to South Korean Harry Harris leaves the Ministry of National Defense after his closed-door meeting with Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo on Jan. 28. (Yonhap News)

In a Jan. 29 message regarding recent frictions with Japan over allegations of threatening flybys and the use of tracking radar, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) stressed, “Because of the importance of South Korea-US-Japan issues, there are things that we will need to do if the US takes an interest [in the situation].”

The message both reaffirmed and enlarged upon Seoul’s previous position that the friction is a “matter to be discussed at the working level between South Korea and Japan.” It was the MND’s first reference to date to “interest” from the US.

Referring to the recent military frictions in a regular briefing that day, MND Spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo stressed, “The door for dialogue is always open.” Her remarks support speculation that the conflict was discussed during a closed-door meeting the day before between US Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris and Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo. Analysts previously speculated that the US does not want the South Korea-Japan frictions escalating into a situation that could damage the framework of trilateral cooperation.

It remains to be seen whether the “interest” from the US will translate into actual mediation or intervention. The US is reportedly concerned that it might come across as favoring one side if it intervenes in the two sides’ heated conflict. The fact that Harris and Jeong’s meeting took place behind closed doors illustrates Washington’s unwillingness to be seen as intervening in the issue. To date, the US has avoided any public mention of the issue. An MND official said, “The unofficial approach is something South Korea and the US decided on together through discussions.”

Amid the MND’s reference to US interest, Ministry of Foreign Affairs North America Bureau Chief Kim Tae-jin was scheduled to visit the UN Command-Rear base in Japan on Jan. 30–31 at the UN Command’s invitation. Kim is scheduled to inspect the base and meet with officials from the UN Command and US Forces Japan during his visit. A meeting with the North American bureau chief at the Japanese Foreign Ministry is also reportedly being organized. If it does take place, it would mean a meeting between South Korean and Japan officials mediated by the US-led UN Command. Analysts have speculated it could also be an occasion for the trilateral cooperation framework to operate.

The invitation from the UN Command was extended after the dispute over a patrol aircraft erupted between the two sides on Dec. 20.

“Although [Kim Tae-jin’s] duties are not concerned with the patrol aircraft issue between South Korea and Japan, he is prepared to hear anything Japan has to say about it,” a South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said.

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer, and Park Min-hee, staff reporter

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